Interviewing

<p>I know it’s a very important part of the application. What should you talk about? How formal should you dress? What is the best way to make a good impression on the interviewer? Who interviews us?
Hopefully, I can just be myself and answer/ask questions and eventually just get into a conversation. Any advice? Thanks.</p>

<p>Depends where you're interviewing - on campus, or alum?</p>

<p>My best interview was with a bates alum. I dressed nicely and it was more or less informal. It felt more like a conversation than an interview. You want to be yourself....but be your most intelligent, articulate and interesting self....meaning avoid superfluous "likes". Also, make sure you know everything about Bates. Specifics are important because they show you are actually interested in the school and are not just throwing out applications at random. I also suggest having a few questions to ask at the end. Well, best of luck and hope that helps.</p>

<p>Well, I actually didn't do an interview, and still managed to get in-- basically, don't worry about it too much, and be yourself.</p>

<p>I definitely was myself. I had a really great on campus interview where I really felt like I made <em>friends</em> with my interviewer, as opposed to just boring them with a long list of my ECs and whatnot. I brought along some samples of my work (I love to write) from my school magazine and literary magazine, for her to keep, and she got to read over those and get a better sense of what I can accomplish and what my passions are. I think it's important to be yourself, be articulate, be careful what you talk about (don't go on about you and your friends' penchant for stealing street signs, etc) and to just in general, relax. People can sense tension, so just be yourself, and keep a smile on your face :-)</p>

<p>interesting, i actually had an on-campus interview that was clearly the weakest part of my application. i had had generally good interviews, but my Bates interview just didn't go as i had hoped and i still managed to get in.</p>

<p>I didn't even have an interview (as I am Int'l) which made me really nervous about the application process as the admission office appears to put a great deal of emphasis on the interview.</p>